Case 1: A previously healthy 15-year-old boy was brought by paramedics to the emergency department (ED) after suffering multiple penetrating gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the lower extremities and a single entry to the left suprascapular region. Vital signs were within normal limits upon presentation.
Case 2: A previously healthy 19-year-old man was brought by paramedics to the ED after suffering multiple stab wounds to the back. The patient was hypoxic and in severe respiratory distress upon arrival. A left thoracostomy tube was placed. Clinically the patient improved and vital signs returned to normal.